A historic World Championship for the French women's team
The 2025 Women's World Real Tennis Championship, held at the legendary Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, marked a turning point in the history of the sport: for the first time ever, a singles final was played as a best-of-five sets match. It pitted England's Claire Fahey, holder of seven consecutive world titles, against France's Lea Van Der Zwalmen, who was competing in her third consecutive final after winning her semi-final against England's Tara Lumley (6-0, 6-2). The stakes were twofold: to equal Pierre Etchebaster with eight world titles and, for Lea, to achieve the unprecedented feat of winning both the world rackets and palm titles.
The match was unusually intense tactically. Fahey, who was impressively consistent and formidable on her returns, won in three sets (6-0, 6-2, 6-0), despite Lea putting up a good fight, particularly in the second set, where she upped the tempo, varied her shots, and tried to impose her game. While the score may seem harsh, it does not reflect the intensity of the rallies: Lea made the English champion doubt herself on several occasions with incisive shots, but Fahey was able to adapt to each attempt, gradually gaining the upper hand and finishing with authority.
A few days later, the same two players met again in the final of the World Doubles Championship. Claire Fahey, paired with Tara Lumley, took on the all-French pair of Lea Van Der Zwalmen & Margaux Randjbar For Margaux, a top-level player, it was a real baptism by fire: she only started playing the game in January 2025 to take up the challenge of representing France in this championship. The match, also played in three winning sets, was spectacular: Randjbar and Van Der Zwalmen showed great teamwork and daring play, even coming back to 4-4 in the second set after trailing 0-4. Margaux distinguished herself by neutralizing numerous powerful shots, while Lea was responsible for covering the back of the court and scoring some spectacular points. However, Fahey and Lumley made the difference at key moments to win (6-2, 6-4, 6-3) in an electric atmosphere.
Finally, France was also represented in the doubles handicap tournament by a formidable and endearing pair: Lea Van Der Zwalmen & Bernadette Bidouze, the mascot of the Bordeaux club. The two partners proudly wore the colors of Jeu de Paume Bordeaux, winning one of their three group matches against tough opponents. Their teamwork on the court and their fighting spirit won over the American audience, who were delighted by their energy and panache.
These World Championships will remain a highlight for women's real tennis : France was well represented by players demonstrating talent, sportsmanship, and determination. Congratulations to the players for their superb performances!
